Honey Rock is an indica-dominant hybrid created by European breeders Sumo Seeds. This strain is a cross between Super Widow and the African landrace-derived Swazi Poison. As its name suggests, Honey Rock offers large, solid flowers that have a sweet, candy-like aroma. Best reserved for kicked-back evening consumption, Honey Rock has THC levels measured at between 15% and 20%.

Honey Rock’s flowers are on the larger side and cling together in thick clusters that have craggy, irregular shapes. The internal structure of these buds is decidedly indica, with a dense core made up of tightly-coiled leaves. These small, broad leaves are a mossy shade of yellowish green and are shot through with curly orange hairs -- which are actually reproductive botanical structures called pistils. Finally, grandparent strain White Widow passes on its tendency for high trichome production, giving Honey Rock a thick blanket of cloudy white resin.

When properly cured, Honey Rock emits a sweet, mellow odor that may remind some consumers of honey. A closer whiff may detect some fruity, berry-like notes as well. When these buds are ground up, their scent leans more skunky -- an odor that intensifies as the strain is combusted in a pipe or a joint. Honey Rock burns with a smooth, palatable smoke that carries sweet and mildly sour flavors on the exhale.

Due to its mostly indica roots, Honey Rock can take several minutes before revealing its effects. Some 10 to 15 minutes after consumption, smokers may experience a disorienting headrush, marked by odd tics like an increased blood pressure around the temples and behind the eyes. Eventually, these sensations dissolve, allowing consumers to settle into a deeply relaxed mindset. As they are released from any lingering muscular tension, smokers may notice strange sensory changes like slight visual or auditory distortions; a strong sense of time dilation is also possible. Other than these trippy phenomena, though, Honey Rock doesn’t do much to stimulate the mind and users seeking a productivity boost may want to look elsewhere. Smokers who enjoy the strain’s psychedelic edginess, though, can amplify it with atmospheric enhancements like moody music or movies.

As this high progresses, its physical effects -- subtle at first -- become harder and harder to ignore. A weighty feeling may start to creep into the limbs and eyelids alike, weighing down consumers who may have been active or out and about. Similarly, the strain may allow users to breathe more deeply and easily. This body stone can make extended physical activity difficult, if not outright impossible. If dosage is increased, couchlock is a sure bet. Because of this slow descent into sedation, Honey Rock is recommended for use after dark -- or at least during a day when you have no other commitments.

Honey Rock’s slow-moving effects can have several uses for medical cannabis patients as well. Its general uplift in mood can temporarily soothe the difficult symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also take the sting out of physical pain, whether that pain is due to temporary inflammations like headaches or to chronic conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia. In a totally relaxed set and setting, Honey Rock’s thorough feelings of body melt may even be an antidote to stubborn cases of insomnia, conferring deep and restful sleep. Because it comes with minimal risk of obsessive, paranoid thinking, Honey Rock is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Fortunately for prospective home growers, Sumo has made seeds of Honey Rock available for purchase online. Once obtained, plants can be grown indoors or out, with outdoor cultivation depending on a hot, Mediterranean-like climate. Plants tend to grow short and bushy and can easily be accommodated indoor; gardeners may need to trim back any broad, obstructive fan leaves from time to time. Honey Rock flowers within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for outdoor harvest in early October. It offers a higher than average yield of buds at maturity.

A soothing, slow-moving indica, Honey Rock is an excellent way to unwind after a stressful day. It’s fun to share with friends or to savor alone.